Hiking the Great Glen Way offers a captivating journey through Scotland's stunning landscapes, stretching from Fort William to Inverness. This 79-mile trail showcases the beauty of the Scottish Highlands, with its panoramic views of mountains, serene lochs, and enchanting forests. Along the way, you'll encounter historic landmarks such as the iconic Loch Ness and the majestic Urquhart Castle. With charming villages and a rich tapestry of Scottish culture and history to explore, the Great Glen Way promises a rewarding adventure filled with natural splendor and cultural insights.

 

When to Book

Six months in advance of when you want to hike.

Best Time to Hike

You can hike the Great Glen Way anytime from April through October, although midges-annoying biting flies- are common during summer months. The most popular month to go is May when midges are less prevalent!

 

Accommodation Features

Stays along the West Highland Way feature many quaint bed and breakfasts that have cozy rooms and serve local food like haggis and whiskey.

 

History of the Great Glen Way, Scotland

The Great Glen Way was officially opened in 2002 as part of Scotland's Great Trails. The trail was developed to provide a designated long-distance walking path that stretches from Fort William to Inverness, following the natural geological fault known as the Great Glen. Its creation was a collaborative effort involving several organizations, including the Highland Council, Scottish Canals, and Forestry and Land Scotland, all aimed at promoting outdoor recreation and tourism in the region. 


 

The Trek

 

Day 1

On day 1, you embark on your adventure through the Great Glen. Begin your journey from Fort William, heading north under the towering presence of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Great Britain. The terrain remains mostly flat as you follow the Caledonian Canal. Soon, you'll encounter Inverlochy Castle, a worthy stop just beneath the railway line. Continue onward past the neighboring areas of Fort William, including Caol and Banavie. If you need a snack or drink, Banavie offers the last opportunity before reaching Gairlochy. As you hike, appreciate the impressive engineering of the canal. Expect to arrive in Gairlochy approximately 4.5 hours after departing from Fort William.

 

Day 2

Today’s journey on the Great Glen Way will extend beyond yesterday’s, offering a delightful blend of landscapes. You'll traverse the entire stretch of Loch Lochy, meandering through lush forested paths and quaint minor roads. This section of the trail promises a gentle, undulating topography, with the serene lake beside you enhancing the natural beauty of the route. As you walk, take a moment to enjoy the tranquil surroundings, where the whispers of the forest and the gentle lapping of the loch create a soothing soundtrack for your journey.

After about 4.5 hours, you’ll reach Laggan Locks. Here, you’ll discover a charming stopover at the Eagle Barge Inn, a cafe crafted within a converted Dutch barge. It offers a unique setting to rest and enjoy refreshments, with the atmosphere of this floating café providing a memorable experience amid your hike.

Beyond this point, your route diverts along a side road leading you towards the trail to Invergarry. This leg of the journey offers more picturesque views and after another 2 hours, you will find yourself arriving at the historic hotel in Invergarry. Known for its comfort and character, this establishment invites you to relax and reflect on the day's adventure, making it a perfect endpoint for your day's travels.

 

Day 3

On this brief yet scenic day, you will embark on an ascent through lush forest trails departing Invergarry, opting for a more secluded path that veers away from the bustling main road. After about three miles, you’ll come across the modern swing bridge, a testament to contemporary engineering nestled within the natural landscape. However, to enrich your journey, we suggest continuing onwards to the historic Bridge of Oich. This charming older structure offers a picturesque crossing over the River Garry and provides a glimpse into the region’s architectural heritage.

Following this detour, you will reconnect with the main route of the Great Glen Way. This section of your adventure follows a largely flat trail positioned conveniently near the Caledonian Canal, allowing you to enjoy the waterside views as you proceed. 

Upon reaching the quaint village of Fort Augustus, your path will guide you towards the entrance of the iconic Loch Ness. Here, a fascinating series of cascading locks awaits, showcasing an impressive feat of canal engineering. These locks serve not only as a functional waterway system but also as a scenic highlight, marking the final segment of today's exploration. As you stand at the mouth of Loch Ness, take a moment to absorb the breathtaking vistas of one of Scotland's most legendary landmarks.

 

Day 4

Today presents the choice between following a lower path that skirts along the loch or taking on a more challenging ascent to experience breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Ness and the encompassing highlands. We highly recommend choosing the latter option. Both today and tomorrow promise to offer some of the most spectacular vistas of your entire journey.

As you reach the highest point of today's trek, you'll have the opportunity to gaze back at Cherry Island, Loch Ness's sole island. This intriguing landform is not naturally occurring but is an ancient man-made structure known as a crannog, showcasing Scotland's rich historical tapestry.

Loch Ness itself is an awe-inspiring natural wonder, with its waters plunging 230 meters (755 feet) below sea level. It's a colossal body of water, containing more volume than all of England's and Wales's lakes and reservoirs combined. From your elevated viewpoint, the sheer scale and grandeur of Loch Ness are laid out before you, allowing you to fully appreciate its magnitude and mystery.

Despite the considerable elevation gain endured during this hike, you'll find yourself arriving in the charming village of Invermoriston within four to five hours.

 

Day 5

Prepare to be enchanted by yet another day on the Great Glen Way filled with natural beauty. At the outset, your view of the loch will be partially obscured by the surrounding hills. Opting for the high route, you'll ascend to an impressive elevation of 470 meters. On clear days, the iconic peak of Ben Nevis, which you passed days ago, might just appear on the horizon, offering a nostalgic glimpse of your journey's beginning.

Within around an hour of hiking, you'll encounter a unique, circular wooden sculpture crafted from branches. This spot is undeniably picturesque, inviting you to capture the sweeping panorama with your camera as a keepsake of the journey.

Continuing your trek, you'll traverse through the fragrant expanse of the Caledonian pine forest. As you advance, your eyes are treated to views of the majestic Cluanie Mountains standing to the west, their presence adding grandeur to the landscape. 

Roughly two hours further along the path, you'll come across a small stone wall, a mere few feet in height. This unassuming feature marks another excellent vantage point, perfect for pausing to appreciate the sweeping views laid out before you.

As your adventure leads you downhill towards Drumnadrochit, a well-deserved meal awaits you, alongside perhaps a wee dram of Scotch to toast the day's remarkable experiences and the memories you've amassed along this breathtaking trail.



Day 6

With a 19 mile hike on day six—you're in for an extended journey. Between Drumnadrochit and Inverness, there are no convenient lodging options, though some hikers choose to break up the trek by opting for a taxi ride to or from the midway point. The first half of the day offers a more tranquil experience, as you wander through the serene Abriachan Forest. With the potential for solitude, especially on quieter days, this segment allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature's peaceful embrace.

After trekking for about 4 to 5 hours, you'll arrive at approximately the halfway mark, where an "Eco Camp" signals the end of the forest. Nestled in the woods, the owners reside in an on-site house and provide refreshments like tea, biscuits, soups, and light snacks to rejuvenate weary hikers. Though the prices are somewhat steep, the unique opportunity to meet the camp's quirky proprietors makes the stop worthwhile.

Continuing your journey, you'll navigate a mix of roadways and forest paths, gradually approaching the city's edge. As Inverness looms closer, you'll find yourself meandering through scenic green spaces that guide you towards the city center. Your adventure culminates at Inverness Castle, a fitting end to the monumental trek.

 

 

At this point you will have reached the culmination of your remarkable journey along the Great Glen Way. Reflecting on the path from Fort William to Inverness, you will have trekked through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes, from the tranquil shores of Loch Ness to the serene expanses of the Abriachan Forest. This adventure has offered not just scenic vistas, but also moments of quiet contemplation, camaraderie with fellow travelers, and the joy of personal achievement. As you stand at Inverness Castle, you will take pride in the resilience and spirit you exhibited on this long-distance hike. You've not only conquered the physical distance but also forged memories that will resonate long after you've returned home. 


Learn more about our Great Glen Way itinerary here.